Stuff You Should Know – Selects: How Motion Sickness Works

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts explore the fascinating world of motion sickness. They discuss the causes, symptoms, remedies, and various theories surrounding this common condition. Whether you’ve experienced motion sickness or are simply curious about why it happens, this episode will provide you with valuable insights.

Main Takeaways

Causes and Risk Factors

• Motion sickness can be triggered by poor ventilation, lots of movement, reading or looking at a map while in motion.
• Risk factors for motion sickness include poor ventilation, rough odors, and reading in a moving vehicle.
• Women may be more susceptible to motion sickness due to hormonal changes.
• Microscope use can also cause motion sickness due to the perception of movement in the eyes.
• Asian people are more susceptible to motion sickness than non-Asian people.
• Genetics play a big role in susceptibility to motion sickness.
• Pregnant women, women who are menstruating, people who get migraines, and those who sleep poorly are more susceptible to motion sickness.

Symptoms and Remedies

• Symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats.
• Some remedies for motion sickness include medication, ginger, and acupressure bands.
• Scopolamine and Dramamine are drugs that can help alleviate motion sickness.
• Homeopathy remedies like borax, calculus, petroleum, and Cpia may be effective, but more studies are needed.
• Mind-body medicine, biofeedback training, and relaxation techniques can also help with motion sickness.
• Exposure therapy and habituation exercises can prepare the body for motion sickness.

Theories on Motion Sickness

• The sensory conflict theory explains that motion sickness occurs due to a dissonance between the senses that sense motion.
• Sway theory suggests that motion sickness is caused by the mismatch between what the eyes see and what the body feels.
• Thomas Stoffergen proposes sway theory and believes that motion sickness is caused by exposure to movement that contradicts natural swaying.

Summary

Motion Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies

Motion sickness is a common condition that can affect anyone, but not everyone is susceptible to it. It can be triggered by factors such as poor ventilation, lots of movement, reading or looking at a map while in motion. Women may be more susceptible to motion sickness due to hormonal changes, and Asian people are more prone to it than non-Asians. Genetics also play a significant role in determining susceptibility to motion sickness.

The symptoms of motion sickness include nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. To alleviate these symptoms, remedies such as medication, ginger, and acupressure bands can be effective. Scopolamine and Dramamine are drugs that can help dull the messages from the inner ear to the brain, reducing the sensation of motion. Homeopathy remedies like borax, calculus, petroleum, and Cpia may also provide relief, although more research is needed. Mind-body medicine, biofeedback training, and relaxation techniques can help manage motion sickness, while exposure therapy and habituation exercises can prepare the body for motion sickness.

There are several theories surrounding motion sickness. The sensory conflict theory suggests that motion sickness occurs when there is a dissonance between the senses that sense motion, such as the eyeballs, inner ear, and sensors in muscles and joints. Sway theory, proposed by Thomas Stoffergen, posits that motion sickness is caused by the mismatch between what the eyes see and what the body feels. This theory emphasizes the natural swaying of the body and how exposure to movement that contradicts this swaying can trigger motion sickness.

Conclusion

Motion sickness is a complex condition that affects a significant percentage of the population. While the exact mechanisms behind it are not fully understood, understanding its causes, symptoms, and remedies can help individuals prevent or alleviate its symptoms. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about the science behind motion sickness, this episode of “Stuff You Should Know” provides valuable insights into this fascinating topic.